Osceola eligible for DEO unemployment,
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The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity is offering assistance to those affected by Hurricane Ian, including in Osceola County.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity announced that work search reporting, waiting week, and Employ Florida registration requirements for Reemployment Assistance claims have been temporarily waived for Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian in FEMA disaster-declared counties — that includes Osceola.
By waiving these requirements, eligible Floridians will be able to quickly apply and receive reemployment assistance and disaster unemployment assistance benefits. Additionally, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to Florida businesses and residents in FEMA disaster-declared counties whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Ian and are not eligible for regular state or Federal Reemployment Assistance benefits.
“Right now, Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian are trying to meet their critical needs and what they don’t need are roadblocks interfering with their recovery,” said DEO Secretary Dane Eagle. “Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, DEO is taking swift action to cut red tape and waive reporting requirements for reemployment assistance is the right choice to get families the help they need to get back on their feet faster, and DEO stands ready to distribute this vital assistance as quickly as possible.”
Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to those who are ineligible to receive federal or state Reemployment Assistance benefits and the individual meets one of the following requirements:
Is unemployed as a direct result of the major disaster;
Was scheduled to start employment but was unable to as a direct result of the major disaster;
Is unable to reach their job or self-employment location because the individual has to travel through an affected area and is prevented from doing so as a direct result of the major disaster;
Has become the primary breadwinner because the head of the household died as a direct result of the major disaster; or Is unable to work because of an injury that was a direct result of the major disaster.
The deadline to submit a claim for DUA benefits is Dec. 30, 2022.
Additionally, Gov. Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $50 million available — at least $10 million of which must go to small businesses that are agricultural producers impacted by Hurricane Ian. Again, Osceola County is part of that declaration.
The program provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Ian. Interested applicants can apply now through Dec. 2, or until all available funds are expended.
Visit www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL to learn more about the program.
Information from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity was used in this report.
